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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FNS 227 NON-CITIZEN REQUIREMENTS

22 Section 227 Change #1-2026 February 1, 2026 i. Is not listed in policy; or ii. Is not considered sufficient proof of non-citizen status; or iii. Is illegible or incomplete. b. If the applicant gives consent to contact USCIS to verify the validity of documentation, contact the Charlotte USCIS Office at (800) 375-5283 to verify non-citizen status. USCIS will need: i. The applicant's full name and date of birth; ii. Alien registration number, if you have it; and iii. A description of the USCIS document. D. SAVE Database Verification The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database is used to verify immigration status. NC FAST includes integrated SAVE functionality. 1. When to Use SAVE a. At application: When individual claims non-citizen status and seeks benefits; b. At recertification: Verify status at each recertification; c. At reported change: When individual reports change in immigration status. 2. SAVE Verification Levels a. Level 1 (Primary): Initial automated check; provides immediate response in most cases; b. Level 2 (Additional): DHS review when Level 1 cannot confirm; typically 3-5 business days; c. Level 3 (Third Level): Manual USCIS review with scanned documents; may take 10+ business days. Cuban/Haitian Entrant Verification: Cuban/Haitian Entrant status verification must be sent to SAVE as a Third Level (Level 3) verification request. Documentation of CHE status should be scanned and attached to the SAVE request.